UN reports high illegal Israeli settlement growth, violence in Palestinian territories
'Settlement activity has, nevertheless, continued at a high rate,' says Sigrid Kaag
HAMILTON, Canada
The UN special coordinator for the Middle East peace process on Friday expressed deep concern over Israel's ongoing settlement expansion and escalating violence in the occupied Palestinian territories, warning that the situation is becoming increasingly dire.
Addressing the UN Security Council, Sigrid Kaag presented the latest report on the implementation of Resolution 2334, which calls for Israel to cease all illegal settlement activity.
"Settlement activity has, nevertheless, continued at a high rate," she said, noting that Israeli authorities advanced or approved approximately 10,600 housing units in the occupied West Bank, including 4,920 in East Jerusalem.
Kaag also highlighted the sharp rise in demolitions of Palestinian-owned structures. "Israeli authorities demolished, seized, sealed, or forced people to demolish 460 structures, displacing 576 people, including 287 children and 149 women," she said.
Echoing UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' condemnation of the humanitarian crisis, Kaag stated, "Nothing can justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people."
She also relayed Guterres' concerns over detainees, quoting his denunciation of "the reported ill-treatment, including sexual abuse, of Palestinian prisoners" and his call for "ensuring the humane treatment of all individuals deprived of their liberty."
The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with at least 3,860 Palestinians killed and nearly 6,000 injured during the reporting period. Meanwhile, violence in the occupied West Bank persists, with 123 Palestinians, including 19 children, killed in Israeli operations.
"118 Palestinians, including six children, were injured by settlers," Kaag reported.
Kaag warned that "the escalation of violence in the occupied West Bank is deeply troubling," as she noted that Israeli military operations since January have displaced at least 40,000 Palestinians, forcing the evacuation of entire refugee camps.
Calling for a ceasefire, she reiterated UN chief's stance: "Humanitarian aid is not negotiable."
She further reaffirmed the UN's commitment to a two-state solution, adding, "the occupation must end as rapidly as possible."
